OPM changing its snow policy

It was less about the amount of snow and more about the amount of people on the road. The feds came under fire for adding to the problem by letting people leave work too late and not notifying those in charge of the roads.

On Wednesday, the Washington Postreported that the government's changing its tune on how to handle another snow storm.

The plan, to be approved next week, is to have an improved method of dismissing employees when the feds know bad weather's coming.

They reportedly will make the call earlier about whether to dismiss people, and will strongly suggest they head home when bad weather's imminent. If they don't leave, they'll be asked to stay until the roads are safe.

People we talked to say if the new plan is only a suggestion to employees, then it doesn't really mean much.

“It's just a new ribbon on the same box, it seems,” said Jay Wierenga of Arlington. “What seems lacking is overall comprehensive way how to handle something. I just go here in time for the earthquake and that caused all kinds of problems too.”

Others suggested a strategic plan that mandatorily dismisses people based on where they live.

The new plan reportedly even encourages metro riders to stay put during bad weather - to limit the number of people on the system.

“If I was a government employee I wouldn't be too thrilled about that at all,” said Rodney Thomas of NE D.C. “Because I’d have to worry about my children. Who wants to be stuck in a building all day. Are you going to provide food? I doubt that."